Impossible Metals Bahrain has applied for a deep-sea mining exploration contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The application, backed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, seeks to explore for polymetallic nodules within the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a region of the Pacific Ocean earmarked for seabed mining.
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The exploration area, divided into six blocks, is part of the ISA’s reserved acreage in the CCZ.
These areas are contributed by developed states as part of their own exploration rights applications and are managed in a “site bank”.
They are designated for developing countries or enterprises to undertake deep-sea mineral exploration, with 21 countries having been granted exploration contracts to date.
Impossible Metals CEO and co-founder Oliver Gunasekara said: “Impossible Metals is proving that innovation can unite economic value with environmental responsibility. Together with the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are pioneering a new approach to sourcing the critical minerals essential for clean energy and global security.”
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By GlobalDataThe ISA’s primary mission is to establish a robust and scientifically grounded regulatory framework to ensure the effective governance of deep-sea mining activities while simultaneously safeguarding the marine environment.
ISA secretary general Leticia Carvalho said: “The addition of the first West Asian and Arab country to the list of exploration applications reflects the universality, legitimacy and functionality of the ISA’s unique system, as well as the region’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the advancement of deep-ocean marine scientific research.
“While technical matters fall under the assessment of the Legal and Technical Commission, this partnership champions a forward-looking vision that is leveraging the technological leaps and bounds that can help overcome environmental challenges and power deep-sea pursuits that are anchored in the principles of sustainability.”
